Remove photos of politicians from govt websites: IT Dept

15 Mar 201905:21am IST

15 Mar 201905:21am IST

Team Herald

PANJIM: The heads of all government departments, Corporations and autonomous bodies have been instructed to delete all the photographs and other references of politicians and Ministers from their official website during the ongoing election period.

The instructions have been issued by the Director Information Technology (IT) Srinet Kotwale following directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI); relating to deletion of all references on politicians and Ministers from the official website during the model code of conduct which is in force owing to ensuing Lok Sabha polls and by-elections in the three State Assembly constituencies.

The Commission, through its communication to the local offices of the Chief Electoral officer (CEO), said that it has been observed that the instructions are not being followed by the Central and State governments during election period.

Following this, IT department issued a circular to all the heads of the department, corporations and autonomous bodies.

“Circular with reference to the instructions relating to deletion of all references on politicians, ministers on the official website during the election period of General and by-elections to the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies,” Kotwale said.

The departmental heads are directed to comply with the instructions with immediate effect.

Two and half month long model code of conduct has come into force from March 10. The elections are scheduled on April 23, while the counting will take place on May 23.